Safer homes for Swansea
By Andy Pearson
HUNDREDS of Swansea homes are benefiting from a new fund of almost £60,000 being overseen by Grŵp Gwalia.
Those living in the nominated households, across Penlan, Portmead and Blaenymaes, are enjoying improved security through the installation of new locks on windows and doors.
The initiative is thanks to the Gwalia Action for Training and Employment (GATE) project being granted £59,223 from the Home Office Safer Homes Fund.
GATE head Gibb Davies said: “The 1,000 homes being upgraded include Gwalia properties, Swansea Council accommodation and private residences.
“The work is proving to be extremely successful; we’ve had feedback that residents now feel safer and more secure in their own homes.
“Residents are also able to have a free fire safety check as well as new smoke detectors.”
The Home Office funding to is being offered to households previously targeted by crime and to the elderly and vulnerable.
Residents receive security packs which include information and advice on home and personal security as well as local community cohesion initiatives.
The scheme is supported by South Wales Police and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
The funding enables GATE trainees to gain valuable skills for future careers. GATE is an apprenticeship scheme which trains young people to gain qualifications in their chosen field and to secure work.
The scheme is now training young people across Llanelli and Swansea. It works in close partnership with community groups and safety initiatives.
Tags: Gibb Davies, Grŵp Gwalia, Gwalia Action for Training and Employment, Home Office, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Safer Homes Fund, South Wales Police, Swansea
